The classic negroni cocktail, known for its refreshing simplicity and beloved by many over the past century, is traditionally made from equal parts Campari, sweet red vermouth, and gin. It's easy to mix: just stir the ingredients, pour over ice, and garnish with an orange slice. However, in recent years, various twists on this cocktail have gained popularity, including the intriguing coffee negroni.
The Coffee Negroni: A Modern Twist
Unlike other negroni variations where one ingredient is substituted, the coffee negroni adds a chilled shot of espresso or coffee liqueur to the classic mix, enhancing the drink with a unique dimension and a burst of caffeine energy. This addition complements the bitter, sweet, and botanical notes of the original ingredients, creating what can only be described as a marriage of flavors—perfect for those who relish the complexity of both coffee and cocktails.
A Brief History of the Negroni
Tracing the history of most cocktails can be tricky, and the negroni is no exception. The drink reportedly originated in Florence around 1919 when a local bartender was asked to strengthen a popular cocktail by replacing soda water with gin and swapping a lemon garnish for an orange slice. This new concoction quickly spread across the city's bars. By the mid-20th century, it began appearing in cocktail books in the UK and the US, solidifying its status internationally.
How to Prepare a Coffee Negroni
Interestingly, there's no one "official" recipe for a coffee negroni—it's all about the bartender's or drinker's preference. Here are a couple of ways to mix this flavorful drink:
Recipe 1: Coffee Liqueur-Based Negroni
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Ingredients:
- 30ml London Dry Gin
- 30ml Coffee Liqueur (preferably a cold brew liqueur)
- 22ml Campari
- 15ml Sweet Vermouth
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Method:
- Combine all ingredients in a glass filled with ice.
- Stir well to chill and mix.
- Garnish with a twist of orange peel.
Recipe 2: Mezcal and Coffee-Infused Negroni
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Ingredients:
- 30ml Mezcal
- 30ml Sweet Vermouth
- 20ml Coffee-Infused Campari (infuse by steeping coffee beans in Campari overnight, then strain)
- 10ml Coffee Liqueur
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Method:
- Add all ingredients to a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir until well chilled.
- Strain into a fresh glass over ice.
- Garnish with orange zest.
Both recipes highlight the versatility and the robust, layered flavors of the coffee negroni. Whether you're a cocktail enthusiast or a coffee lover, this drink offers a delightful blend of bitterness, sweetness, and aromatic complexity. Next time you find yourself behind the bar, consider giving the coffee negroni a try—it might just become your new favorite cocktail.